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The National Court of Spain has opened preliminary proceedings against former president José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero for his alleged collaboration with the criminal structure of the regime of Nicolás Maduro, following a lawsuit filed by the organization Hazte Oír.
The decision was made by the Central Investigation Court Number 6, under the authority of magistrate Antonio Piña, who in a judicial order acknowledges that the events described in the complaint "exhibit characteristics that suggest the possible existence of a criminal offense."
In light of this, the judge has deemed it "appropriate to initiate preliminary proceedings and carry out those essential actions aimed at making such a determination and, if applicable, the relevant procedure."
A complaint for drug trafficking, money laundering, and organized crime
The complaint filed by Hazte Oír accuses Zapatero of having acted as a "necessary collaborator and accomplice" in crimes committed by the Venezuelan regime of Nicolás Maduro, recently captured by U.S. authorities.
The association asserts that the former president "did not limit himself to a political or diplomatic role, but rather would have decisively contributed to supporting and facilitating the international operations of the regime."
Specifically, the document points to possible offenses of drug trafficking, money laundering, and membership in a criminal organization, all of which are included in the Spanish Penal Code.
The complaint was filed last Sunday, and in its document, Hazte Oír requests the judge to impose immediate precautionary measures against Zapatero: withdrawal of the passport, prohibition of leaving the country, and obligation to appear weekly before the court.
Zapatero, pointed out for ties to chavismo and the Cartel of the Suns
According to the plaintiffs, Rodríguez Zapatero would have maintained ongoing involvement with the leadership of chavismo, not only as a political mediator but also as a key figure for the legitimization and endurance of Maduro's regime on the international stage.
The organization emphasizes that the former president "has been directly or indirectly involved in the organization led by the Chavista regime and linked to the Cartel of the Suns," one of the main structures of drug trafficking in Latin America.
One of the points that strengthens his thesis is the close relationship of the former Spanish president with Delcy Rodríguez, former vice president of the regime and current designated successor by Maduro.
Make Yourself Heard recalls a leaked conversation between Zapatero and former minister José Luis Ábalos, in which the former head of the socialist government referred to Delcy as "my friend," which, in the association's view, demonstrates "a personal bond that transcends the strictly institutional sphere."
Transfer to the Public Prosecutor's Office and international scope
Judge Antonio Piña has requested that the Public Prosecutor's Office issue a report to assess whether this judicial body—the National Court—is competent to investigate these events, given that the alleged crimes would have been committed by a Spanish citizen outside national territory.
It is worth noting that Rodríguez Zapatero is also listed among 64 individuals being investigated in a judicial file opened in New York for their alleged links to the Chavista regime.
That case, revealed by the outlet Vozpópuli, adds to the international scrutiny surrounding the connections between Venezuelan officials and drug trafficking networks.
A political and judicial offensive
The complaint from Hazte Oír is part of a broader campaign by the ultraconservative organization, which seeks to hold European political figures connected to chavismo accountable for criminal responsibilities.
His president, Ignacio Arsuaga, has described the case against Zapatero as a necessary step to “end the impunity of those who have facilitated the persistence of a criminal dictatorship.”
However, other voices, such as that of the president of the Venezuelan National Assembly, Jorge Rodríguez, have come to Zapatero's defense, valuing his work as a mediator in the processes of releasing political prisoners in Venezuela.
The judicial reopening against Zapatero comes just days after the arrest of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. special forces, as part of a coordinated operation to bring him to federal court on multiple charges of drug trafficking and conspiracy.
This circumstance has reactivated several pending cases and has brought attention to the international networks of support and collaboration with the Bolivarian regime.
If the case progresses, it would represent an unprecedented event in recent Spanish politics: a former Prime Minister subjected to judicial investigation for his alleged collaboration with a foreign criminal organization.
Although Zapatero has not publicly commented since the announcement of the opening of proceedings, his political circle remains silent while awaiting the report from the Public Prosecutor's Office.
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